If you have a little person in your life that needs to be introduced to books and counting, I have a great suggestion. Five Hiding Ostriches by Barbara Barbieri McGrath is just out. With a rhyme scheme that is reminiscent of “Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,” five ostriches suddenly find themselves in fear of the lion lurking behind them and flee for safety. The beautiful artwork by Riley Samels adds to the entertainment as they try to escape until the end when the lion makes a surprising twist.
In a bonus at the end, the author gives facts about ostriches and explains the true ostrich behavior that cancels the old myth that they hide their heads in the sand when they are afraid. She uses her own text to explain what they really do. She also adds a “Rock and Roar” game that will be great fun for the readers as they put the ostrich and lion behavior into practice.
A good picture book is one a kid will ask for over and over but the adult will not tire of reading. I think this one will fit!